{A Quote to Inpsire You} C.S. Lewis

{Upcoming Reviews for the Revell Blog Tours}

Here are some of the reviews to be on the lookout for here at Sweet Treats & Inspiration.  It's an AWESOME lineup from Revell!

Review Coming the Week of September 2nd

Review Coming the Week of September 2nd

Review Coming the Week of September 16th

Review Coming the Week of October 1st

Music Monday: {Banner of Love} by Luminate

This is one of those songs that makes me crank up the volume, and say, "Wow, I really love this song!"  Great sound, with an incredible message!  Banner of Love by Luminate is a single off of their new album, Welcome to Daylight, that releases on Tuesday, August 28th.  Enjoy, and be blessed!

I want to show Your love
I want to lift You higher
I want to reach out and touch this world
We gotta reach out and love this world
We're gonna bring Your love
We're gonna lift You higher
We're gonna reach out and love Your world

From KLOVE's website:
Luminate began as as an independent band touring the country and playing at camps, churches and music festivals. The band, comprised of Samuel Hancock (vocals), Cody Clark (guitar), Dusty Jakubik (bass), Dustin DeLong (keyboards, vocals) and Aaron Matthew (drums) toured non-stop and recorded three releases before officially signing a record deal. It was during those thousands of miles logged on the highways and byways of America where a committed heart for ministry, not to mention a true brotherhood was forged beyond the band’s shared love of music.
Hoping to emphasize the importance of backing up our love by reaching out to those in need, Luminate always plays music with a missionary focus. In a world starved for hope, they offer plenty of affirmation that when you look to God and take in His truth, your life can’t help but change.
The band is currently gearing up to release their upcoming album, Welcome To Daylight (August 28, 2012), a record about hope, joy, and leaving our past regrets behind.“Welcome to Daylight is about opening your eyes for the first time and seeing this world through God’s eyes,” says Luminate front man Sam Hancock. “We strive to love as Christ did, realizing that God moves in and through everything, and knowing it’s all a part of a master plan designed by the Creator of the universe. It’s realizing that not only is God stronger than our weakness, but He is a loving Father who delights in His children spending time pursuing Him and fulfilling His plan for our lives.”
Luminate will be joining the Newsboys and Building 429, on the God's Not Dead Tourthis fall.

{Pre-order With Every Letter and be entered to win $50}

Midnight Madness 8/15-8/31! Sarah Sundin's brand new book, With Every Letter, releases on September 1, 2012. To celebrate, Sarah is hosting the Midnight Madness Promotion!

Pre-order or purchase a copy of the book by midnight on August 31, 2012 and be one of the first to read Book One of her new Wings of the Nightingale series. AND as a Thank You for pre-ordering or purchasing With Every Letter you'll be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or ChristianBook.com (winner's choice!).

All you have to do is pre-order or purchase With Every Letter and send an e-mail with the following information to sarah{at}sarahsundin.com :

1. Your Name

2. Where you ordered or purchased it from

3. Your email address.

That's it. Easy. 

Here are the pre-order links:

Amazon   Barnes & Noble   ChristianBook.com

{A Quote to Inspire You} John Piper

Music Monday: {Revelation Song} Gateway Worship led by Kari Jobe

I don't think this song will be new to you, and perhaps many of you sing it at your church, but I just feel like it's *the song* that needs to be shared today.  It's such an amazing worship song!  It's all about Him, all about Jesus . . . lifting Him up in worship!  We sang it at church yesterday, and like always, something amazing happened!  The presence of God became so alive in the room -- I'm talking heart-pounding in your chest, hands trembling in the air, goosebumps, and tears!  

Seven years ago, I would have thought this was complete craziness, but today . . . WOW!  All of this coming from the girl who was saved at 34 years-old, watching other church members standing in worship with their hands raised in the air, and thinking, "These people are a little crazy."  LOL!  Fast forward to August 19, 2012,  and I couldn't have kept myself in my seat, or my arms at my side even if I wanted to!  I am awestruck by the awesome power and love of God!  What a privilege to worship  our Lord and King, our Savior, and redeemer!   

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of Your name.  Jesus, Your name is power, breath and living water, such a marvelous mystery!

 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12 (NKJV)

{Friday Funny} My Waffle Wedded Wife

Here's a little something to start your Friday off with a laugh! Enjoy!

{A Quote to Inspire You} Beth Moore

I've been dealing with a certain someone who is "difficult,"  . . . my oldest child.  The same child I've been having a forgiveness issue with.  As Beth describes here in part 6 of her series on Loving Difficult People, my oldest daughter is my "thorny."  Sometimes, after an interaction with her, I feel as if I've been stuck with quills.  It's painful, and it makes me want to avoid her.

I've often wondered, "Why, Lord?  Why must she be so difficult?  I love her, Lord, but she often makes it so difficult to like her."  Does she bring out the worst in me?  Absolutely.  There has never been anyone is my life who brings out the worst in me like she does.  Do I like who I become in that "ugly place?"  Absolutely not.

Yet even in this, there is a blessing.  God is using this 15-year-old child to refine me, and to mold me into His image.  The tests used to come more frequently, but now they're fewer and far between . . . yet they still come.  I'm still in the refining process.  I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be. 

The following quote is from the video posted below, and the last line is one that truly strikes a cord with me.  We will never be more like our father in heaven than when we love the unlovely.  Amen? 

"Sometimes, the reason why that person has been assigned to our life, is to bring out the very worst in us, so that God can bring out the worst in us.  Turns up the heat, and everything toxic inside comes to the surface.  Not so it'll show, so it can be skimmed off.  That is a refiner's fire.  Thorny.  Thorn in the flesh . . .perhaps there to humble us.  Cause that's the very person that brings out somebody in us that we don't like.  We will never be more like our father in heaven than when we love the unlovely." ~Beth Moore

If you have a "thorny" in your life, I pray that you're able to see the blessing, and embrace what God is doing in your life to refine you and mold you into His image.

Sweet Blessings,
Michelle

Music Monday: {Forgiveness} by Matthew West

It seems we're never at a lose for opportunities to forgive.  Life is moving along nicely, and then we're slammed with one offense after another.  For me, it's usually my kids (namely my oldest), and sometimes my husband.  Other times, it's my sister, my dad, or some random person.  So basically, just about anyone.  Do I take the bait of offense, or do I choose not to let it bother me?

Betrayal, lies, disrespect, the mean, cruel, and harsh words that come from those we love most.  Whatever form the offense takes, forgiveness is the only way to set ourselves free from the "poison" that is unforgiveness.  It's hard.  I often don't *want* to forgive.  I've been deeply hurt.  What that person said to me seems truly unforgivable.  So I stew about it for days, replaying the hurtful words, and thinking to myself, "I am so NOT forgiving you!"  And while I'm at it, I'm not going to do anything nice for you, or even look at you.  I'm hurt, I'm angry -- I can't believe you said those words to me!

But then, that still small voice.  The remembrance of the cross.  My sin nailed to the cross by the creator of the universe.  Author of my salvation.  My redeemer.  Jesus.  He loves me.  He forgives me.  He paid a high price.  Out of love and obedience, I can forgive.  Not out of my own will, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.  ~Ephesians 4:31-32

This songs truly speaks to my heart, and I pray that it blesses you today.  

It's the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don't deserve

It's the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just to real
It takes everything you have just to say the word...

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;  

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 8-12

{Happy Friday!}

Hi there, friends!  Hope you have a fantastic Friday, and a wonderful weekend!  This weekend will be low key for us, which is nice.  It seems we've had something on the calendar every weekend for the past two months, so I'm looking forward to no plans (well, except for church, which will be awesome!).  How about you?  Anything special going on?

A Book Preview: {Missing Pieces: real hope when life doesn't make sense} by Jennifer Rothschild

Does God care? Is He fair? Is He even there? Although you may know all the right answers, they don't always feel right. Explore these and other questions in this realistic look at the messy, mysterious uncertainties of faith. God's ways don't always make sense, but He is trustworthy. Come close to Him. Trust Him more than your feelings. God will reveal Himself and fill in your missing pieces. 

Participants who take this Bible Study will:

• Experience unexpected peace in spite of unexpected heartache
• Hang on to God's answers when you feel you are at the end of your rope
• Move forward when you feel stuck in your circumstances
• Have a greater sense of peace through every storm you face
• Strengthen your faith when you feel beat down by life
• Experience stability when tidal waves of emotion hit
• Trust God more than your feelings 

Below you can watch Part 1 of the Introductory Session of the group video session.  :::warning: you may need Kleenex:::



Below you can watch Part 2 of 2 of the Introductory Session.


You can purchase your Bible Study Member Book at Jennifer Rothschild's store for $12.95 plus S/H.

If you're not familiar with Jennifer Rothschild and her testimony, you can get to know her at the Jennifer Rothschild website.

{A Quote to Inspire You} Julie Lessman

A Book Preview: {Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions} by Lysa TerKeurst

Today is release day for Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions.  Boy, oh boy, is this a book that I need!  I just started it last night, and it's very good!  I can tell that the book is going to be such an encouragement.  Be watching for a review in the coming month!

 

Lysa TerKeurst admits that she, like most women, has experiences where others bump into her happy and she comes emotionally unglued. We stuff, we explode, or react somewhere in between.
What do we do with these raw emotions? Is it really possible to make emotions work for us instead of against us? Yes, and in her usual inspiring and practical way, Lysa will show you how.
Filled with personal examples and Biblical teaching,
Unglued will equip you to:

• Know with confidence how to resolve conflict in your
  important relationships.
• Find peace in your most difficult relationships as you learn to be
  honest but kind when offended.
• Identify what type of reactor you are and how to significantly
  improve your communication.
• Respond with no regrets by managing your tendencies to stuff,
  explode, or react somewhere in between.
• Gain a deep sense of calm by responding to situations out of your control without acting out of control.

ABOUT LYSA:

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author, National Speaker, and President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. You can read her daily blog at www.LysaTerKeurst.com or hear her encouragement through the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ radio program played on over 1200 outlets. She loves that the first four letters of Messiah spell a “mess.” All of the messages Lysa speaks and writes about come from her awareness of what a mess she can be. Most days you can find her writing from her sticky farm table in North Carolina where she lives with her husband Art, her five priority blessings named Jackson, Mark, Hope, Ashley, and Brooke, 3 dogs and a mouse that refuses to leave her kitchen.

Music Monday: {Not for a Moment (after all)} by Meredith Andrews

I'm so happy to see that Meredith Andrews has a new single out!  Her third studio album, Worth it All, is scheduled for release January 22, 2013.  Not for a Moment (after all) became available July 31st on iTunes, and is absolutely beautiful!  It's an incredible worship song that will literally take your breath away, bring tears to your eyes, and make your heart pound harder in your chest.  In a nutshell -- this is passionate, and anointed worship!  It's so powerful, and speaks to how our Lord with never leave us, nor forsake us.  Meredith says, "The truth that He loves us and will never forsake us, even in our weakest, darkest moments, is a truth that never changes.  It is always true.  He is constant, good, and in control even when it's difficult to believe."  I pray that this song blesses you today.

You were reaching through the storm, 

walking on the water, 

even when I could not see.  

In the middle of it all,

when I thought you were a thousand miles away,

not for a moment did you forsake me,

nor for a moment did you forsake me. 

And after all, you are constant

after all, you are only good

after all, you are sovereign

not for a moment, will you forsake me

not for a moment, will you forsake me.

For more information about Meredith Andrews, this song, and her upcoming album visit here.

You can also visit Meredith's website here.

A Sweet Treat: {Southern Peach Cobbler}

**Here's a yummy summertime recipe from the archives! I made this last week, and it's just as delicious as I remember it! I highly recommend this one!**

This is the peach cobbler that I made in August 2010.

In honor of Julie Lessman being my special guest on Valentine's Day, I'm going to share this peach cobbler recipe with you.  A little birdie told me that Julie LOVES peach cobbler!  Mind you, it is not my own recipe, but I have made it twice and can recommend it to you with TWO THUMBS UP!  It's delicious, and a definite "keeper" in my book.  I can't wait for my peach harvest to come in this summer!
 

Mmmm...Delicious!

Southern Peach Cobbler (posted at www.allrecipes.com by aeposey)
Yield: 4 Servings

• 8 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup boiling water
•  
• MIX TOGETHER:
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in butter with your fingertips, or a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined.
4. Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about 30 minutes.

{A Quote to Inspire You} Charles Spurgeon

This is such an encouragement to me, because there are so many days when I feel like I fall very short of living a holy life.  I feel like a broken mess, and then I start to listen to the lies of the enemy.  The lies that tell me I'll never be able to live a life that looks like Christ.  I'll never be able to truly set a good example for my kids.  I messed up today, and I'll probably mess up tomorrow, too.  I'll just never get it right.

Yet, when we're in Christ, walking with Him daily, He gives us everything we need to live a holy life.  We simply need to look to Him . . . keep our eyes focused on Him.  It's not about what I'm going to do.  It's not about me trying harder.  It's about looking to Him, staying in His word, asking for a fresh-filling of the Holy Spirit, and receiving His grace.

It's a journey, and as Christians, we're always growing.  I'm so thankful that He's patient with me, because I need His grace on a daily basis.  Which reminds me of something Joyce Meyer often says, "I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be."  It's a process.  The beautiful process of sanctification, where we are transformed into the image of God.  What a blessing it is to know our purpose!

Have a blessed day, my friends!